The 3rd Meeting of the Empowered Committee on Asset Management of Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) was convened today under the chairpersonship of Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department.
The meeting comes in the wake of the formal closure of the Smart Cities Mission on 31st March 2025, with discussions focusing on the long-term sustainability and financial viability of urban assets developed under the initiative. Key deliberations included strategies for revenue generation through user fees, advertising rights, and commercial utilisation of multi-level car parking structures.
Officials also examined reimbursement mechanisms for capital expenditures incurred, sustainable financing for operational costs, modernisation of digital kiosks, and organisational restructuring. The Committee stressed the urgent need for strategic planning, as BSCL currently bears the entire financial burden of recurring expenses such as electricity and maintenance.
Among the attendees were Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Commissioner, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation; S. Debadutta Singh, Commissioner of Police, Cuttack-Bhubaneswar; Manoj V. Nayar, Director, Nandankanan Zoological Park; and several senior officials from various departments.
The Committee reiterated that BSCL must serve as a lighthouse model for other aspiring smart cities in Odisha, ensuring strong governance, innovative financing, and efficient coordination. The insights gained from today’s discussions will form the foundation for a comprehensive asset management strategy in the coming months.
